When it comes to ending business as usual in Washington, Gerrick Wilkins believes the solution is right in front of our eyes.

Wilkins argues the time is now to limit how long members of the U.S. Congress can serve—to replace the corrupting culture of political careerism with fresh ideas and innovation and to create the kind of “citizen legislature” envisioned by the founders of our republic.

Unshackling Democracy underscores this conviction and sheds new light on an issue that has been debated and deferred far too long. Using the power of storytelling and thoroughly researched history, Wilkins gives us a fresh look at the issue. It comes from a highly successful dealer and consultant in the automobile industry who sees professional politicians and elite policymakers who fail to grasp the perspectives of ordinary Americans who own businesses and constitute the workforce, wrestle with how to make paychecks stretch farther, and seek better lives for their children.

Wilkins decided to make a congressional run when the elected official in his district reneged on his commitment not to seek re-election after five terms. Wilkins asserts that term limits would encourage greater involvement in the political process. He hopes this book will encourage citizens to retrieve the reins of power from the hands of career politicians and restore it to the American people—where it has always belonged.